This week Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) claimed President Obama was using family members of gun violence victims as “props” in his push for background check legislation. I cannot think of a more insulting characterization of these brave advocates, many of whom come from my community in Virginia where families suffered the loss of loved ones … Read more
Some votes require courage. Challenging decisions call upon elected officials to “lead, inform, correct and sometimes even ignore constituent opinion” in order to exercise their judgment for what is best for our nation, as John Kennedy argued in his Profiles in Courage. Last Wednesday’s vote in the Senate on gun control legislation required no such courage. … Read more
Five HPR writers react to the Senate’s recent vote blocking the Manchin-Toomey background check compromise and other issues surrounding the Democrats’ gun control push. Writers analyze the compromise bill itself, explain why it failed, and examine the political consequences of that vote now and in the future.
The countless Facebook posts supporting former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ New York Times op-ed, which berates the Senate for its failure to pass the Manchin-Toomey Amendment, have begun. “Damn straight, Gabby,” some commented. “A courageous piece,” others called it. Yet for me there are major issues with Congresswoman Giffords’ piece. First of all, what is the Manchin-Toomey … Read more
The Manchin-Toomey amendment to U.S. Senate gun violence legislation is not perfect. Liberals argue the bill does not go far enough, while conservatives believe such legislation neglects larger issues related to gun violence. What is clear, however, is that the bill would improve public safety. Most guns used criminally are purchased legally, contrary to conservative … Read more
The first time I came upon this page, I couldn’t really tell what was wrong. A few seconds later, I realized that that is precisely the problem. Apparently this eye-opening (yet totally horrifying) collection is the product of someone’s procrastination on a random Sunday afternoon. I’m going to take this Short List post to explore … Read more
Every successful politics in America today is a Christian politics. Sure, there are a few congressmen from exceptionally liberal districts who subscribe to more exotic faiths or leave the question of religion unanswered altogether. But the vast majority of politicos — be they Democrats, Republicans, or Independents — wear their Christianity on the sleeve. When … Read more
Matt Shuham, Covers Editor, sits down with Jon Favreau to discuss the power of speeches, the logistics of speechwriting, and Favreau’s next steps. You can access additional content by subscribing to our YouTube channel and visiting our iTunes page. Interview by Matt Shuham Editing and Production by Jenny Choi Music by Dylan Perese
Daniel Backman, Associate US Editor, sits down with David Axelrod to review the 2012 presidential race and the former Senior Advisor to the President’s plans for the future. You can access additional content by subscribing to our YouTube channel and visiting our iTunes page. Interview by Daniel Backman Editing and Production by Jenny Choi Music by Dylan Perese
“What do you think?” he asks, nodding at the book across my lap. I look up, startled. We have been sitting side-by-side in row 27, seats A and B for two hours now and this is our first time making eye contact. As the pilot announces our final descent into Boston Logan airport, my seatmate … Read more